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Shaun Lucking, Pull the Trigger

Shaun Lucky

This shop is an outdoor explorer's dream, selling everything from survival kits to air rifles. The niche store is popular with scout groups and bush craft schools. The shop is owned by Damian Coleman, who has been part of the market for nearly 30 years.

What do you love about the market?

“There’s more of a family feel in here amongst the traders, we all know each other and often we send customers to each other.”

Louise Sheardown, Angel Aroma

Louise Sheardown

Louise has had a market stall for 15 years, but last month she moved into one of the perimeter shop fronts to accommodate her growing business, which sells everything from incense and candles to ornaments.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s nice to meet different characters, people are lovely and everyone is interested.”

Sara Hawkins, Irene’s Pantry

Sara Hawkins

The 43-year-old has worked at this café for 26 years – she started at the age of 17 as a Saturday girl with her nan.

What do you love about the market?

“The camaraderie. People [traders] come and go but they are still missed – it’s a family atmosphere.”

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Christine Taylor, The Kawaii Store

Started by her 22-year-old daughter Lydia, Christine helps out on the vibrant stall filled with keyrings, stuffed toy characters, cute backpacks and other accessories.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s nice meeting people and other owners of stalls. There’s something special about it. The place is changing, it’s becoming a trendier place to be and is attracting more young people.”

Prissana Hosakon, @Kitchen

Prissana Hosakon (Image: Penny Cross)

This eatery on the mezzanine of the market may have only been up and running for two years, but it’s raved about. Its tasty Asian cuisine has landed @Kitchen in the second highest rated spot on TripAdvisor for the whole of Plymouth.

What do you love about the market?

“All ages come here – families and students - and people can find us easily.”

Tony Gilliam, Just for the Record

Tony Gilliam

Another success story of the market, Tony set up 12 months ago and has since had to go onto a bigger stall to keep up with the demand of vinyls and other music goodies.

What do you love about the market?

“You meet lots of different people from all walks of life. It’s nice to run my own business and work at my own pace.”

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Tony Shipp, Sunny Sweets

This enticing sweet stall has been a feature in the market for 25 years, with Julie and Tony owning it for the last 15.

What do you love about the market?

“The customers – memories come back for them [seeing the sweets], it’s nostalgic. The youngsters come here as well – I like the banter.”

Christine Moore, R & C’s Cafe

Christine Moore

60-year-old Christine has owned the cafe for 10 years, but the cafe has been here much longer.

What do you love about the market?

“I enjoy meeting different people, it’s been a lot better since the lift has gone in. Our regulars won’t go anywhere else, and we’re known for our steak pie – people come from Looe [and other areas of Cornwall] for it.”

Sarah Howell, Robins & Moore

Sarah Howell

This goldsmiths was established in the market in 1988. Three years later they expanded into one of the shop fronts on the perimeter of the market, too.

What do you love about the market?

“The market vibe. My mum worked here – I’ve been associated with the market since I was a child – it’s a way of life.”

Richard Fielder, The Bookstore

Richard Fielder

This bounty of all things book has been in the market since 1959. It was Richard’s dad’s business before him, and his son also works in an opposite stall.

What do you love about the market?

“Meeting the regulars. One customer we have used to visit when they were at school – they still come now at the age of 70. People enjoy coming here, we recognise them and give more of a personal touch.”

Adam and Heidi Fielder, Slippers

Adam and Heidi Fielder

The couple, who work in the opposite stall from Adam’s dad, took on Slippers 13 years ago. Since, they’ve diversified their stall and are the only place in Plymouth to sell soft sole moccasins made in the UK.

What do you love about the market?

“We have some lovely customers, every day is different. Sometimes people come in for a chat - it’s a personal service.”

Jum Newcombe, The Pasta Hut

Jum Newcombe

This new business is another foody venture paving its way in the expanding market.

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Wendy Roberts, Best Buys

Along with her son, Wendy set up this stall selling pet food, treats and accessories seven months ago.

What do you love about the market?

“Meeting people. We get regular customers and we get on well with everyone It’s nice to come in and meet people and hear their stories.”

Tina Stephens, Bowls R Us

Tina Stephens

This niche stall features all things associated with the sport of bowls, and the next closest store selling anything similar is in Torquay. Tina had the idea of setting up the stall because her partner struggled to find the right bowling equipment online.

What do you love about the market?

“The people are friendly – it’s like one big family in here. Sometimes you’re the only person that someone else has spoken to all day. It’s nice in that way.”

Lee Wilson, Flavour Vapour

Lee Wilson

Vaping has become extremely popular – and this stall has been busy keeping up with demand for e-cigarette products alongside their Cornwall Street branch in Plymouth. Lee, who manages the stall, has been part of the team for three tears.

What do you love about the market?

“Getting to see the characters.”

Gill Jory, Gill’s Throws

Gillian Jory

51-year-old Gill has been running her business in the market for 12 years after she bought it off of the lady she first worked for in the same stall.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s nice dealing with business here, and the other traders are friendly.”

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Steve Jory, Colleen’s City Fabrics

Steven Jory

Brother to Gill who runs Gill’s Throws, the siblings have their stalls back to back from each other in the market. Mum Colleen is also part of the collaboration, and the stall is one of which that has been in the market since the very beginning.

What do you love about the market?

“Meeting new people. I get to speak to locals, dress makers, schools buying materials and college students.”

Claire Rapson, Coronet Engravers

Claire Rapson

This engraving business is well-established in the market having carved a great reputation since it started up in 1959. It was taken over by husband and wife Claire and Leigh Rapson 11 years ago and is still thriving.

What do you love about the market?

“The people that come here – we have lots of regulars and now tourists, too.”

Elizabeth Matthews, Libby’s

Elizabeth Matthews

Elizabeth worked on the accessories, bags and purses stall before it came up for purchase, which is when she made the move from employee to owner two years ago.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s really sociable like a family in here, and it’s nice working for myself.”

Michael Page, Michael’s Movies and Music

Michael Page

56-year-old Michael has always had a passion for film and music – he took a chance and set up the stall some 24 years ago and has never looked back.

What do you love about the market?

“I always loved markets and how busy they were and I loved music and film – so I combined the two and it’s the best thing I ever did. I have some wonderful customers, too. The market has been brilliant to me.”

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Jean Cohen, Apricot Stone

Jean has turned her hobby of making handmade handbags into a business opportunity and has been trading in the market since October 2017.

What do you love about the market?

“The market is an ideal place [to run a business]. You’re part of a community here, all the stall holders are nice and helpful.”

Sean Ryan, Retro’s

Sean Ryan

This stall selling retro sweets has something for everyone. Co-owned by Georgia Hardy and Sean, the stall has gone from strength to strength over the last four years.

What do you love about the market?

“The diversity of customers. You get a big demographic from children all the way up [to older people]. There are many vibrant new stores popping up – it’s bespoke, not generic like a high street where you’d always see a Primark, etc.”

Jant Lavis, Taste of Thailand

Jant Lavis

Another of Plymouth’s food gems, Taste of Thailand is held in high regard with diners, and is in fourth position overall for the best restaurants in Plymouth – which is seriously impressive for a stall which only started up four years ago.

What do you love about the market?

“Seeing different people around, and it’s a good business opportunity to be here, you can do your own thing.”

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Nolly Box, Nolly Cat Designs

Nolly Box

When Nolly retired, she started making jewellery to pass the time. Starting out on a craft market her business grew, and since she’s been in the market for six years. As a self-proclaimed “crazy cat lady”, Nolly also sells high end cat gifts.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s almost like a family in here. Sometimes people come in and just talk about cats.”

Sarah Gooding, Hannah’s

Sarah Gooding

Sarah runs the stall with mum Karen – they took over five years ago.

What do you love about the market?

“Small businesses looking after customers.”

Holly Smith, Knead Pizza

Holly Smith (Image: Penny Cross)

Along with her partner Alistair Skit, Holly has transformed this stall into a vibrant hang out for pizza lovers.

What do you love about the market?

“This is an amazing building and it’s an exciting time to be here. I like the excitement of the market, there’s a sense of community here that you just wouldn’t get in a high street.”

Cathy Brown, Cathy’s Flowers

Cathy Brown

Cathy secured a shop front for her blooming flower business around nine months ago, and it’s been going from strength to strength.

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Carole Cox, Caroleanne’s Gifts

When Carole saw the stall advertised, she knew she wanted it to start her business selling ornaments, figurines, dream catchers and British gifts.

What do you love about the market?

“I like the atmosphere, you meet people from all walks of life.”

Paul Tapp, L&P Tapp

The team at Market Deli

This traditional delicatessen selling meats, pies and cheeses has been a family business for 43 years. His brother started the stall, with Paul joining later.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s great, a good atmosphere, and the traders get on well.”

Matthew Bryant, The Nut House

Matthew Bryant

Aptly named, The Nut House is brimming with containers piled with all types of nuts and dried fruits and seeds. They’re also a stall that are promoting zero waste – so customers can come along with their own bags or containers to take their treats home with them.

What do you love about the market?

“The diversity of all the people. I enjoy the trade, and it’s a lot better than shopping in the supermarkets.”

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Jake Panton and Milly Mills, Tilt

Jake Panton and Milly Mills

This new sliders, sides and dips restaurant started up around five weeks ago, and it’s already impressing customers.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s a great location as we can use all of the traders in the market for our products. If we’ve got a rush on scallops we can run around the corner and grab some. We’re looking forward to seeing what develops.”

Wendy Joyce, Country Garden Florists

Wendy Joyce

Wendy took over this business which has been in the market for nearly 30 years around three years ago. She had quite a career change – leaving nursing behind for floristry.

What do you love about the market?

“No two days are the same. It’s more personal here than in a regular shop, some people come in to chat – it’s friendly. You see all sorts.”

Bradley Trevelyan, Rogue and Raven

Bradley Trevelyan

Bradley started selling his wares online, which grew and saw him set up shop in the market. Here he sells home furnishings including cushions, candles and mirrors, all sourced from local artists and makers.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s a really lovely community, you get to meet different people. I can be quite creative with the things I buy [for my stall] here too.”

Debs Finch, M’s Children’s Wear

Deborah Finch

Before going into the trade of Spanish and boutique clothing for children six years ago, Debs worked on another stall in the market.

What do you love about the market?

“It’s like being at school – everyone knows everyone and we all get on well.”

Michaela Smith, Friary Mill

Christina Yearling and Michaela Smith

Michaela has been the store manager at the bakery for the past six years.

What do you love about the market?

“The staff in the shops are all like family, if there’s any hassle there will always be someone to help you.”